Saturday, February 12, 2011

Walking to Zion


Through the years I have learned some important, life changing ideas. One idea is that I want to go to Zion. I feel that call today. Through the years I have learned little by little and bit by bit what this journey may consist of.

My husband and I have set some specific goals that we have been working on that I think are the key ideas and actions steps that we need to take so that we can make the journey to Zion; first in our own hearts, then as a family, and finally in an actual journey back to Missouri (whenever that call may come).

Brigham Young taught about Zion by saying,
"I wish to see this people take a course to bring back the days, years and intelligence that have been lost through transgression." (JD 8:62)
The scriptures speak of fleeing Babylon, but at the same time they caution us that the journey must not be made in haste. I think they mean we must literally flee Babylon but that the actual journey to Zion needs to include care, caution, and preparation. In D & C 133:15 the Lord says,
"Let not your flight be in haste, but let all things be prepared before you; and he that goeth, let him not look back lest sudden destruction shall come upon him."
But just as I must not run in haste, lest I trip and fall, I must still move, I must still go forward. I cannot loiter. So I have entitled these ideas and themes "Walking to Zion." I have to remind myself that this journey is slow-it's a walking pace. Slow and steady wins the race right?

Brigham Young says,
"Zion will not be redeemed and built up in a day. Israel will not be brought back to the fold of Christ and redeemed in a day." (JD 8:62)
In our fast food society we want the instantaneous results NOW. The Lord doesn't work this way. The Lord expects us to work line upon line and precept upon precept until we have arrived. King Benjamin taught,
"And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient the he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order." (Mosiah 4:27)
With patience we will build Zion.

So I invite you along on my journey to Zion by sharing with you some of our family's goals. I have written a blog post about each of these goals and ideas and will post them over the next week or so. I would love to hear your thoughts and insights as well. What does your journey to Zion look like? Here are our goals:
  1. Spiritually Center Our Lives on Jesus Christ
  2. Physical Prepare Ourselves
  3. Understand Our Enemy That We May Reject Him
  4. Remove the Shackles of Babylon From Our Lives
  5. Restore the Role of Gender in Our Family
Some of these goals may seem obvious and others may seem strange. We have specifically worked on each of these the last several years have noticed changes in our thought patterns and in our spiritual growth. I invite you along on my "Walking to Zion" journey.

6 comments:

Rebecca said...

Sounds great. I'm very excited to hear what your first steps may be and how you are accomplishing them.

Jocelyn Christensen said...

excellent goals

Kim said...

I have been thinking about this a lot lately. I always enjoy your posts and I can't wait to hear what more you have to say on this subject.

Carol said...

I look forward to your post. It is a struggle somedays to leave behind Babylon when it is so much a part of our culture and the way I was raised. Which is sad to say. The gulf between our family and those around us is getting wider. I have been drawn to Zion also, for me it has been a big pull to be apart of temple work. My husband takes our 12 y/o weekly to do baptisms. I have a new baby so I am not able to go often right now but have just found a love of family history work. We have a great older couple in our ward who helped to light this fire for us. Isn't this gospel an incredible gift!

crazy4boys said...

Me, me!!! I'll come too!!! Sounds like a wonderful series of posts. Are you sure you don't want to come live next door to me? Or in my spare room?

Curls said...

Sounds interesting, can't wait to hear more.